Trope of the Week: Manic Pixie Dream Girl

Chick 1 says:

Exciting!  Another new series: Trope of the Week.

What is a trope?  A trope is a device, motif, recurring theme, or even a cliche used in storytelling.  It can be a character type, a specific line or style of dialogue, a plot device, even a type of location or set.

A trope itself is neither good nor bad.  In fact, used appropriately it can be an effective tool.  In storytelling, whether in literature or film or other media, a lot of information needs to be communicated to the audience without bogging down the pace with lots of backstory or exposition.  A trope can be a kind of shorthand that the creator and audience have agreed on and recognize so the audience knows what to expect and can concentrate on more important parts of the plot.

When overused it can make the storytelling lazy or one dimensional.  It then becomes a cliche and distracts from the story.

One of my favorite trope sources is the website tvtropes.org.  It is a massive user-run collection of all tropes film, tv, literary, anime, video game, ad nauseum.  I’m a bit of an addict.

This week’s trope is currently a popular one; the Manic Pixie Dream Girl.  The Manic Pixie Dream Girl is, obviously, a female character type.  She is pretty, spontaneous, non-conformist, and above all else, quirky.  Cute and quirky are pretty much the two key ingredients for Manic Pixie Dream Girl.  She is not usually the protaganist but is often used to rescue the male protaganist from his dull emotionless existence.  She is full of the wonder of life and marvels at the delight that each moment holds.

The phrase was first used to describe Kirsten Dunst’s character in 2005′s Elizabethtown but the archetype has been around a lot longer than that, going all the way to Katherine Hepburn in Bringing Up Baby and back.   Other Manic Pixie Dream Girls include Barbara Streisand in What’s Up Doc?, Sarah Jessica Parker in L.A. Story, Charlize Theron in Sweet November (with a twist of tragedy) and Natalie Portman in Garden State.

But the current reigning monarch of all Manic Pixie Dream Girls is Zooey Deschanel.  Almost every role she plays, from (500) Days of Summer to Yes Man is some form of this type.  Her new TV show New Girl (quite funny by the way) is almost entirely based on her embodiment of this archetype.  On the flipside, a writer on this trope’s page points out that in Elf her character is pretty jaded and that Will Ferrell is actually the Manic Pixie Dream Guy.

Edit:(4/29/12) OK, this is what happens when I’m excited and I want to post an article.  I post and then think about it and have more to say or correct.  In regards to Zooey, she actually started out as the snarky best friend in movies like Abandon or Failure to Launch.  In fact, her character was one of the few bright points in Failure.  She only moved to Manic Pixie Dream Girl after movies mentioned above.

What Manic Pixie Dream Girls have you picked up on?

And now for your viewing pleasure, a couple of videos.  First up, Zooey makes fun of her own reputation on SNL

And even better, the need to care for all these Manic Pixie Dream Girls roaming the streets has finally led to a home being set up for them.  Enjoy.

Posted on by Chick 1 in Tropes 3,581 Comments

3,581 Responses to Trope of the Week: Manic Pixie Dream Girl

  1. --8Sbncvosifcdado7M.рф

    A Time-Travelling Journey: How People Talked About Wall Fireplace Electric 20 Years
    Ago Wall Fires – –8Sbncvosifcdado7M.рф,

  2. Double glazed door repairs

    The Reasons Why Window Doctor Cambridge Will Be
    Everyone’s Desire In 2023 Double glazed door repairs

  3. Willieerere

    You mentioned this superbly!
    walmart pharmacy bentonville ar store 100 https://northwestpharmacylabs.com/ pet drugs canada

  4. perchspear37.werite.net

    Expert mesothelioma lawyers are familiar with the state laws regarding mesothelioma claims.

    They can help determine the best location to start an asbestos case
    (perchspear37.werite.net) lawsuit.
    They can assist in identifying potential sources of
    asbestos exposure.

  5. double glazed door handles

    The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Double Glazed Door Handles double glazed door handles

  6. Willis

    Find Out What Fold Treadmill With Incline Tricks The Celebs Are Utilizing does
    treadmill incline burn more calories – Willis -

  7. Mervin

    What’s The Current Job Market For Mesothelioma Compensation Professionals?
    mesothelioma compensation, Mervin,

  8. Leather Sectionals for sale

    9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Leather Sectionals For Sale Leather Sectionals for sale

  9. Renault Trafic Key Fob Programming

    7 Secrets About Renault Key That Nobody Will Tell You Renault Trafic Key Fob Programming

  10. GilleskaM

    You have made your stand extremely well!!
    888 online casino test online gaming casino mastercard casino online

  11. best London seo agency

    The One Top SEO Agency Trick Every Person Should Be Aware
    Of best London seo agency

  12. Willieerere

    With thanks, Plenty of tips.
    online international pharmacy https://northwestpharmacylabs.com/ meds rx pharmacy

  13. adhd assessment uk

    The 10 Scariest Things About Adhd Assessment Uk adhd assessment uk

  14. portable wheelchair ramps for steps

    How Much Do Wheelchair Ramp Incline Experts Make?
    portable wheelchair ramps for steps

  15. Zenwriting.Net

    The Most Effective Sports Toto Near Me Tricks To Rewrite Your Life 먹튀검증 커뮤니티 (Zenwriting.Net)

  16. vauxhall car key repairs

    15 Up-And-Coming Vauxhall Key Fob Replacement Bloggers You Need To Watch vauxhall car key repairs

  17. treadmill home gym

    Five Killer Quora Answers On Treadmill Home Gym treadmill home gym

  18. private psychiatrist liverpool

    The 10 Most Scariest Things About Private Psychiatrist Liverpool Cost private psychiatrist liverpool

  19. Jonnie

    What To Look For To Determine If You’re In The Mood To Best Herbal Treatment For Anxiety anxiety treatment effectiveness (Jonnie)

  20. Window replacements

    A Glimpse Into Replacement Windows Near Me’s Secrets Of Replacement
    Windows Near Me Window replacements

  21. Cheapest

    A Trip Back In Time: How People Talked About Affordable SEO Company 20 Years Ago Cheapest

  22. Private ADHD assessment Bristol cost

    Technology Is Making ADHD Private Diagnosis Better Or Worse?
    Private ADHD assessment Bristol cost

  23. 라이브 카지노

    15 Terms Everybody Within The Pragmatic Site Industry Should Know 라이브 카지노

  24. Mercedes Keys Replacement

    Think You’re Perfect For Keys Mercedes? Take This
    Quiz Mercedes Keys Replacement

  25. lg fridge freezers Uk

    15 Strange Hobbies That Will Make You More Successful At Best Price On LG Refrigerators lg fridge freezers Uk

  26. Willieerere

    Cheers. Very good stuff.

  27. Willieerere

    Seriously lots of awesome tips!

  28. Augustus

    7 Little Changes That’ll Make A Huge Difference In Your Asbestos Mesothelioma
    Compensation mesothelioma lawyers; Augustus,

  29. Seo Agency West London

    Who Is Responsible For The Local SEO Marketing Agency Budget?

    Twelve Top Ways To Spend Your Money Seo Agency West London

  30. Mesothelioma Attorney

    What Do You Need To Know To Be All Set For Attorneys For Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Attorney

  31. bokep simontok

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find
    this matter to be actually something that I
    think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.

    I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get
    the hang of it!
    https://kchephoto.com/

  32. bokep viral

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a
    doubt donate to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.

    I look forward to brand new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group.

    Chat soon!
    https://kchephoto.com/

  33. bokep siskaeee

    Wow, marvelous weblog format! How lengthy have you ever
    been blogging for? you make blogging look easy.
    The total glance of your website is excellent, as neatly as the content!

    https://kchephoto.com/

  34. bokep viral 2024

    I just could not depart your website prior to suggesting that
    I actually enjoyed the usual info a person provide in your
    guests? Is going to be again often in order to inspect
    new posts
    https://kchephoto.com/

  35. bokep indonesia viral

    I blog frequently and I seriously thank you for your content.
    The article has truly peaked my interest. I will book mark
    your blog and keep checking for new details about once a
    week. I opted in for your Feed too.
    https://kchephoto.com/

  36. bokep indo colmek

    Hello There. I discovered your weblog the use of
    msn. That is a really neatly written article.

    I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your helpful info.

    Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.
    https://kchephoto.com/

  37. bokep chindo

    Whats up this is kind of of off topic but I was
    wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually
    code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with
    experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

    https://kchephoto.com/

  38. bokep jepang

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog.
    You have some really great posts and I think I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.

    Please send me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

    https://kchephoto.com/

  39. free money when you open an account

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of
    any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically
    tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to
    your new updates.

  40. tiktok porn

    Hey I am so delighted I found your site, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Aol for something else, Anyhow I am here
    now and would just like to say kudos for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable
    blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all
    at the moment but I have saved it and also included your RSS
    feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.

  41. bokep meli 3gp

    I every time emailed this web site post page to all my friends, as
    if like to read it afterward my links will too.
    https://kchephoto.com/

  42. monkey freeze dance

    Wow that was odd. I just wrote an really long comment
    but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr…
    well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say
    wonderful blog!

  43. Mesothelioma Attorneys

    How To Outsmart Your Boss On Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawyer Mesothelioma Attorneys

  44. Nagievonline.com

    How To Explain Mercedes-Benz Key Replacement To Your Grandparents mercedes Key Programming (Nagievonline.com)

  45. cheap 2 Seater fabric sofa

    You’ll Be Unable To Guess Cheap 2 Seater Fabric Sofa’s Tricks cheap 2 Seater fabric sofa

  46. 무료 프라그마틱

    What Is Pragmatic Genuine? History Of Pragmatic Genuine 무료 프라그마틱

  47. Aileen

    A Step-By Step Guide To Case Opening Battle battle case csgo (Aileen)

  48. anotepad.com

    10 Facts About Asbestos Attorney Mesothelioma That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood mesothelioma lawsuits (anotepad.com)

  49. american Retro Fridge freezer

    The 10 Most Terrifying Things About American Retro Fridge
    Freezer american Retro Fridge freezer

  50. adhd assessment for adults

    You’ll Never Guess This ADHD Assessment For Adults’s Tricks adhd assessment for adults

Add a Comment